Missing Skokie-area man found dead near Des Plaines River Friday

(Editor’s Note: A portion of this story was reported by Hope Perry for Evanston RoundTable, a neighboring independent newsroom. It was shared with The Record as part of an ongoing collaborative effort.)

A local man was found dead near the banks of the Des Plaines River in the Lake County Forest Preserves on Friday, July 31, authorities confirmed.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Julian Newman, 30, of Evanston, and Evanston Police Cmdr. Kenneth Carter told the Evanston RoundTable that Newman lived in an area — the 60203 zip code, commonly called “Skevanston” — that is governed by Skokie.

Newman, the coroner’s office said, died in a manner consistent with drowning.

An obituary for Newman published online says Newman was a lifelong chess player and “keen cyclist” who enjoyed reading, cooking and gardening, among other things.

“He was often serious yet had the best smile — and his laughter was contagious,” according to the obituary.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Evanston.

Lake County Forest Preserves Police Deputy Chief Jamie Medina told the RoundTable that the man was reported missing to her department on Thursday, July 30. He reportedly was last seen that evening by his family in the Libertyville area near Lake Minear.

“According to family members, he drove from his Evanston residence to the area of Lake Minear in Libertyville. His vehicle was later located in a nearby parking lot,” a press release from Kim Mikus, a spokesperson for the Lake County Forest Preserves says.

The Evanston Police Department was informed that the man was missing, Medina said, and was assisting in the investigation.

According to the coroner’s office, the incident remains under investigation by the Forest Preserve police and the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

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